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Vickie Parrack

Originally from England I have been working as a travel agent in Australia and New Zealand for the past 6 years. I love the unique culture and nature of this side of the globe. New Zealand is now my home and there are so many incredible attractions to suit everyone. I love the outdoors and enjoy nothing more than drinking a glass of wine after a long hike.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I now live in Wanaka on the South Island so have great knowdge of the area. I also previously spent many years living in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef "

How did you get involved in travel?

"I started working as travel agent in Australia after my first backpacking trip. I caught the travel bug and was keen to share my passion, and I've been obsessed with helping travelers experience the best of Australia and New Zealand ever since!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Swimming with whale sharks on the Ninagloo Reef. Incredible! "

Vickie is part of the following groups: Australia Travel Agents, New Zealand Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Vickie

Dream Trip
New Zealand | May 7 - May 25, 2024

B
BARBARA M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on May 26, 2024
We are heading home from an amazing trip to Australia and New Zealand. Vickie did a wonderful job of putting together an itinerary that was the trip of a lifetime. I especially appreciated her patience in answering the many questions I had before the trip began. Everything worked seamlessly from being met at airports, transportation, reservations, etc . Two activities needed to be cancelled due to weather and Sabina was extremely responsive in helping us with refunds. We will definitely book... Read more

We are heading home from an amazing trip to Australia and New Zealand. Vickie did a wonderful job of putting together an itinerary that was the trip of a lifetime. I especially appreciated her patience in answering the many questions I had before the trip began. Everything worked seamlessly from being met at airports, transportation, reservations, etc . Two activities needed to be cancelled due to weather and Sabina was extremely responsive in helping us with refunds. We will definitely book future international travel with KimKim.

Hotel Reviews
Radisson Blu Hotel
Sydney
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
M Social
Auckland
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Montreal
Christchurch
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pullman Rotorua
Rotorua
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hermitage Hotel
Mount Cook Village

Gorgeous views!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Scenic Suites Queenstown
Queenstown
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kuranda Koala Gardens
Kuranda Koala Gardens
New Zealand

There are two choices- petting a koala or holding a koala. Both choices are only 1 minute long while they take pictures, but be sure you book the experience that you want. We wanted to hold the koalas but had booked petting the koala. Did not know there were different options.

Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set
Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set
New Zealand

Fascinating particularly if you like the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies or books.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Twilight Paddleboard and Glow worm tour
Twilight Paddleboard and Glow worm tour
Rotorua
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hell’s Gate Experience (Geothermal Walk, Mud Bath, Sulfur Spas)
Hell’s Gate Experience (Geothermal Walk, Mud Bath, Sulfur Spas)
Rotorua

Take the complimentary tour. This is an other-worldly experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Te Pā Tū Māori Feast & Performance
Te Pā Tū Māori Feast & Performance
Rotorua
Dart River Safaris Funyaks
Dart River Safaris Funyaks
Queenstown (NZ)
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on May 27, 2024

Hi Barbara,

So glad you both had a wonderful time here in New Zealand, and Australia! On behalf of Vickie and I, thank you for your kind words and it has been a pleasure helping you book your dream NZ & Australian holiday.

Kind Regards
Sabina (And Vickie)

Vickie put an enormously epic trip together f...
New Zealand | Feb 15 - Mar 14, 2024

L
Lea K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Vickie put an enormously epic trip together for us with nary a flaw. From the first minute to the last everything was timed exactly right and the events and accommodations were perfect. She was available to us on a moment’s notice and always went the extra yard to provide yet another thoughtful gesture. You can hear the smile in her voice with every message. She showed us why NZ is a special country and she did magic to provide reasons (excuses) to return. She will go down in history with our memories of the holiday. Thank you!!

Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Mar 16, 2024

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review and all the lovely messages you sent me whilst you were traveling. I am so happy that you loved New Zealand and all the wonderful experiences. If you ever need anything in the future please let me know :).

All the best to you and Charlie!

Vickie

Best Honeymoon :)
New Zealand | Feb 4 - Feb 24, 2024

K
Karen R.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024

Vickie was amazing! She was very helpful in planning a great honeymoon. She was able to provide us with advice on logistics of travelling in New Zealand along with great recommendations on activities. Our honeymoon went smoothly and had us arriving to New Zealand ready to just enjoy our trip knowing everything has been taken care of.

Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Feb 27, 2024

Aw Karen I cant believe your trip is over! It was such a long time coming. Thank you so much for working with me on this trip of a life time. You and Hamilton were so much fun to work with.

It was such a pleasure :)

Take care

Vickie Parrack planned an excellent 5 week Australia vacation.
Australia | Mar 16 - Apr 18, 2023

Dennis
Dennis H.
Midvale, UT | Reviewed on Dec 18, 2023
Vickie Parrack planned an excellent 5 week trip for the two of us. The plan included trains, planes, automobiles, and boats.
We made it complicated for her by having the trip include two stops to visit/stay with family and friends. From the moment our private driver picked us up at the Sydney Airport we knew our vacation was going to be great. A few days seeing Sydney then a flight to Darwin. A few days in the Top End seeing war history, rain forest, jumping crocodiles, and soaking up...
Read more

Vickie Parrack planned an excellent 5 week trip for the two of us. The plan included trains, planes, automobiles, and boats.
We made it complicated for her by having the trip include two stops to visit/stay with family and friends. From the moment our private driver picked us up at the Sydney Airport we knew our vacation was going to be great. A few days seeing Sydney then a flight to Darwin. A few days in the Top End seeing war history, rain forest, jumping crocodiles, and soaking up native culture. A great train excursion on The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide. A few days in Adelaide and overnight on Kangaroo Island. A Princess Cruise to Melbourne, Tasmania, and on to Sydney. A few more days in Sydney. Then up the east coast with stops in Newcastle, Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef, Townsville, and Cairns and more Great Barrier Reef plus rain forest by wheels plus rain forest by overhead tram (awesome!)

We can't praise Vickie enough. Vickie perceived our intentions and needs. The planning was almost flawless. We hope she will be available plan a New Zealand vacation for us in the next year or so.

Activity Reviews
Sydney Harbour, The Rocks Walking Tour and Bondi Beach
Sydney Harbour, The Rocks Walking Tour and Bondi Beach
Sydney

The walking tour was very informative and fun. Bondi Beach; we got the tee-shirt!

Arrive Sydney
Arrive Sydney
Sydney

Loved it all. The driver met us at the airport, and was very informative and full of info as he drove us into the city and our hotel.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Prviate transfer from Airport to Accommodation
Darwin

Our driver was great!

Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise with Darwin Harbour Cruises
Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise with Darwin Harbour Cruises
Darwin

This tour was not available. As I recall, the tour company, and the other companies were not running at the time we were there. We were off by a week or so. No fault of Vickie's.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private transfer train station to accommodation
Adelaide

This transfer was part of our itnerary. We used Uber.

Adelaide Central Market Delicious Lunch Tour
Adelaide Central Market Delicious Lunch Tour
Adelaide

This market tour was great. Just a couple of hours long, but it was fun. After the tour completed we had trouble deciding which market stall to go back to for our lunch. Great choice, Vickie!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
2 Day Kangaroo Island Tour
2 Day Kangaroo Island Tour
Kangaroo Island

These two days were absolutely wonderful. Lots of land and marine mammals and birds performed for us. Our driver was great. The other travelers in our small group were fun. The overnight hotel and restaurant were great. The weather was great. We're so glad this tour was included in our plan.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo
Australia

We've been to some nice zoos. This is one of the best! And the view of Sydney from the zoo is unforgettable.

Quality of Experience
Whitsundays - Ocean Rafting
Whitsundays - Ocean Rafting
Airlie Beach

We hosted our relatives, a couple with 3 children, on this rafting experience and everyone of us loved it. Especially the snorkeling.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The high-speed inflatable boat was a lot of fun.
Private Transfer Cairns CBD Accom to Airport
Cairns

We rode the hotel shuttle but to the airport.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kakadu National Park Explorer with AAT Kings
Kakadu National Park Explorer with AAT Kings
Darwin
Captain Cook Cruises - Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer 2-Day Pass
Captain Cook Cruises - Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer 2-Day Pass
Sydney

This hop-on hop-off experience is a waste of money and time. The harbour is beautiful. But the 'cruise' boats were few and far between, and when on the boat, any tour dialogue was forgettable. The water ferry system is very nice, very convenient, goes to many more locations, and is very affordable.

Heart reef and Whitehaven Flight
Heart reef and Whitehaven Flight
Airlie Beach

There was no flight for us that day. We arrived in Airlie Beach too late in the day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrive Cairns
Arrive Cairns
Cairns

Loved the train ride from Townsville to Cairns. Upon arrival at the Cairns station in the evening, it took us quite awhile to get a taxi to take us to our hotel. The hotel opposite the bay shore was great and centrally located for exploring the town on foot. The taxi waiting experience was not bad, just unexpected and uncomfortable as we stepped off the air conditioned train into the humidity in the covered train station. In the future, for other visiting travelers, perhaps a heads-up about the possible wait might be appropriate.

Quality of Experience
Transport
Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise
Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise
Australia

The catamaran trip out to the anchored barge was nice, very comfortable. The multi-activity barge was great. Unfortunately we chose to ride in the semi-submersible submarine as our first activity, and we both became very nauseous from the small boat's movement. The nauseousness put a damper on further activities. So we weren't up for the snorkeling or other activities. However it was fun to watch all the others having fun. Its amazing that they'll teach you so scuba dive in the short time we're on the barge. Watching the fish feeding is fun. All things considered, this is a great experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Daintree, Cape Trib & Bloomfield Day Tour
Daintree, Cape Trib & Bloomfield Day Tour
Cairns

The Billy Tea Safari tour to the rainforest showed us some great flora and fauna. Our guide/driver as great. However our safari vehicle was too rough-riding for our old bones. For us, the same travel route in a more conventional vehicle would have made the day tour more comfortable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free Day in Cairns
Free Day in Cairns
Cairns

We rode the Karunda scenic Railroad up the mountain. Wonderful experience. The Karunda village is nice. We bought some artwork from a local vendor and had it (sucessfully) shipped to our home in Idaho. The Karunda Skyrail overhead tram was awesome. I never expected I would enjoy this as much as I did. Seeing the rainforest from above is indescribable. I would love to see the rainforest from this perspective when its raining hard. I know they close the skyrail when raining, out of caution for lightening strikes, but still I'd like to see it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Litchfield National Park Waterfalls with AAT Kings
Litchfield National Park Waterfalls with AAT Kings
Darwin
Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Dec 18, 2023

Hi Dennis and Laura,

Thank you so much for such an amazing review. I had so much fun working on this trip with you and you were always so lovely to chat too. I can not wait to welcome you to Aotearoa!

Vickie

Amazing Experience in Australia
Australia | Nov 2 - Dec 13, 2023

Amy
Amy Z.
Little Falls, MN | Reviewed on Dec 16, 2023
After trying to book a month long trip to Australia by myself, I discovered KimKim. We knew we wanted to blend time with a guide and independent traveler. Vickie put together an itinerary that included what we knew we wanted to experience and where we wanted to go as well as Vickie had great suggestions of experiences to add on. We enjoyed our 42 days in Australia! Read more

After trying to book a month long trip to Australia by myself, I discovered KimKim. We knew we wanted to blend time with a guide and independent traveler. Vickie put together an itinerary that included what we knew we wanted to experience and where we wanted to go as well as Vickie had great suggestions of experiences to add on. We enjoyed our 42 days in Australia!

Hotel Reviews
Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sydney

Modern, terrific hotel. Excellent location for walking and exploring the city. The room was clean and comfortable. We loved the restaurant in the lobby. Overall, Great service, kind and helpful people.

Authenticity & Character
It is a modern clean no frills yet super comfortable hotel
Location
in Chinatown, convenient, we moved about with ease and confidence.
Staff
very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
well maintained, great bed, compact rooms with enough room,
Rydges Hobart
Hobart

Location was a bit far from the harbor. Heavy drapes thick carpet made the room feel closed. We preferred the Vibe in Hobart which we stayed in with the tour group.

Authenticity & Character
Old building remodeled
Location
Staff
kind helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
spots on the carpet, thick carpet holds in the dust, the shower was a poor design and water went all over the floor
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

The room had been updated recently and was comfortable as well as sizable.

Authenticity & Character
the people great breakfast buffet
Location
The street had several empty buildings. Great location in Chinatown.
Staff
kind, helpful, called me by name
Cleanliness & Comfort
clean and comfortable
Comfort Inn The International
Apollo Bay

Clean, good location, quiet, parking was easy

Authenticity & Character
updated old motel
Location
right on Main Street
Staff
super kind and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
VERY clean! Bed super comfortable. lots of room
Elphin Motel
Launceston

We didn't stay here , We stayed at the Grand Chancellor Hotel. I was not very happy with the room and almost asked for a different room. thick dusty carpet, inefficient design, dark (not enough light) heavy curtains, very stained carpet in hallway. we were on the 1st or 2nd floor. I was happy we were only there one night. The breakfast buffet and lobby area were great!

Indian Pacific Train
Adelaide

Totally highly recommended by us!

Pensione Hotel Perth
Perth

Great location, clean and comfortable. Off street parking was tight

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy walk to shopping, restaurants and Elizabeth Quay
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great comfortable room
Ningaloo Lodge Exmouth
Exmouth

We didn't stay here- We stayed at the Escape Resort. We got there at 7:00pm and left at 8:00am. The cabin was over used - we didn't need the kitchen. the bed was comfortable

Authenticity & Character
good idea for the right traveler
Location
good
Staff
good and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
worn
Best Western Carnarvon
Carnarvon

updated room, old ac

Authenticity & Character
Location
good
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
the ac was noisy
The Heritage Resort

We didn't stay here. We stayed at the Ocean Village, I think,

Authenticity & Character
cabin, well done
Location
right in town across from the ocean, walkable to everything we needed
Staff
took great care of us
Cleanliness & Comfort
very comfortable
Kalbarri Edge Resort

It was ok. noisy. good location

Authenticity & Character
Location
right in town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mantra on Sydney Airport
Mascot

the walk from the airport was challenged by construction. The room was over used and needed a deep clean

Location
close to airport, nothing around except other hotels, busy area, good for one night between flights
Staff
great staff!
Cleanliness & Comfort
over used, needs a deep clean
Mount Gambier Hotel
MOUNt Gambier

we didn't stay here, we stayed at The Barn. It was excellent!

Country Roads Motor Inn
Naracoorte

Not many options in this town. The motel was good and updated.

Authenticity & Character
basic
Location
it was a doable walk to town, located in a more industrial area. request a room on the back side as the front rooms or on the main road
Staff
super friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
basic clean and comfortable
Kangaroo Island Seafront
Penneshaw

We didn't stay here. We stayed in the Ozone Hotel. It was comfortable and clean right on the ocean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Terrific Staff!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Sydney

In the end, we were just off the long flight and didn't feel like we were ready to be attached to a group of people and wear community jumpsuits and helmets .

Free Day in Sydney
Free Day in Sydney
Sydney

We loved walking around and discovering the city. We went to the top of the tall building to get a perspective of the city.

Arrive Sydney
Arrive Sydney
Sydney

We liked having the driver there at the airport to pick us up and bring us to the hotel. The hotel stored our bags and we went out walking.

Tasmanian Explorer - Day 1 - Launceston/ Stanley / North-West Coast
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 1 - Launceston/ Stanley / North-West Coast
Launceston

I wish we would have been in the hotel where we met our group. I didn't like the Grand Chancellor Hotel. The Intrepid tour was terrific! It was rigorous but wonderful!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tasmania Explorer - Day 2 The Tarkine/North-West Coast
Tasmania Explorer - Day 2 The Tarkine/North-West Coast
Australia

Stanley and hiking the Nut

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 3 - North Coast/Corinna
Australia

Corrina was amazing! I would have liked to stay here at least 2 or more nights.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 4 - Corinna/North Coast/Devonport
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 4 - Corinna/North Coast/Devonport
Australia
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 5 - Cradle Mountain National Park / Launceston
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 5 - Cradle Mountain National Park / Launceston
Australia
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 6 - Hobart/ Richmond/ Tasman Peninsula
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 6 - Hobart/ Richmond/ Tasman Peninsula
Australia

we explored the prison

Tasmanian Explorer - Day 7 -Tasman Peninsula/ Hobart
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 7 -Tasman Peninsula/ Hobart
Australia
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 8 - Huon Valley / Hartz Mountains National Park/ Hobart
Hobart
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 9 - Bruny Island/Hobart
Tasmanian Explorer - Day 9 - Bruny Island/Hobart
Hobart
Welcome to Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne
Melbourne

Melbourne Museum is a must see!

Explore Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay
Flinders Chase Tour
Flinders Chase Tour
Kangaroo Island
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Island Life Tour
Island Life Tour
Kangaroo Island
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Indian Pacific Overnight Train from {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} (Westbound)
The Indian Pacific Overnight Train from {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} (Westbound)
Australia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Perth & Fremantle City Explorer & Swan River Cruise - Morning Tour
Perth & Fremantle City Explorer & Swan River Cruise - Morning Tour
Perth

It was difficult to hear the narration because the speaker system was not great. In addition there was a party of 35 women celebrating someone's birthday. They were loud and took over the outside part of the boat. The lunch food was ok.

Quality of Experience
Discover Rottnest Tour (incl. Lunch)
Discover Rottnest Tour (incl. Lunch)
Perth

We were a bit shocked by the numbers of people and bikes. I'm happy we were on the bus tour because we saw the sights quickly. Lunch was good and we went back on the 2:30 ferry getting off at Fremantle and taking the train back to Perth. The narration was better than on the Lunch cruise.

Explore Exmouth
Explore Exmouth
Exmouth

We stopped at the information Center in Exmouth for the best information. This is definitely shoulder season there are very few visitors around. We set out for the Cape Range National Park and on of the beaches just beyond the park center. We swam and loved it. We decided to go back to the park center and bought one set of snorkel gear to share. We went to the Oyster Stacks and had a terrific time snorkeling. Since the National park is an out and back driving experience, we headed back north and stopped at another swimming beach and found the protected turtle beach. After finding dinner we went to the hotel after the office closed. They had sent an email with after hour instructions.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful Coast! we loved the water.
Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures - Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour
Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures - Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour
Australia

On the way to Denham we stopped at Coral Bay for another snorkeling experience by the jetty. We were the only ones on the beach. Snorkeling and swimming were fun. We did not swim off the beach in town. It was a long desolate drive to Denham so we were pleased to have time to relax over 2 nights. The Experience was cancelled because of the strong wind and fire danger.

Quality of Experience
Marine Eco Tour with Coral Bay Eco Tours
Marine Eco Tour with Coral Bay Eco Tours
Australia

We skipped this experience- We stayed in Kalbarri it was marvelous. We snorkeled near town and I signed up for The Abrolhos Island Discovery Full Day Tour with Pink Lake add-on from Kalbarri https://kalbarriscenicflights.rezdy.com It was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Depart Australia
Depart Australia
Australia

The drive from Kalbarri to Perth was exhausting. It would have been great to stop at one of the town (Green Head area) on the Turquoise Coast for one night before driving to Perth. We didn't have the time. We stopped at the Pinnacles, it 45 minutes and we stayed in the car- I think its a good stop. Taking the car back to Perth Airport was stressful because of construction and not really knowing where we were going. It had to be.

Walk with Wildlife Tour with Wildlife Wonders
Walk with Wildlife Tour with Wildlife Wonders
Apollo Bay

This was a terrific tour! We learned a lot.

Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Dec 17, 2023

Hi Amy,

Thank you so much for the review. I absolutely loved working with you on this trip of a lifetime!
Your feedback is so useful and I love your photos. I know this was such a big trip for you and I cant thank you enough for letting me be apart of it.

Take care

Vickie xx

Wow - what a perfect vacation experience!
Australia | Oct 21 - Nov 6, 2023

Pauline
Pauline B.
Pleasanton, CA | Reviewed on Nov 18, 2023
Wow - what a perfect vacation experience! Vickie listened carefully to my desires for types of excursions and activities, and then made recommendations on other things that I definitely liked. It was important to me to be very active on this trip. So we went hiking, biking, wine tasting, white water rafting, kangaroo petting, food touring, snorkeling, ziplining, jet boat riding and more. Plus we climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge AND went Bungee Jumping. Wow! With so many activities, it... Read more

Wow - what a perfect vacation experience! Vickie listened carefully to my desires for types of excursions and activities, and then made recommendations on other things that I definitely liked. It was important to me to be very active on this trip. So we went hiking, biking, wine tasting, white water rafting, kangaroo petting, food touring, snorkeling, ziplining, jet boat riding and more. Plus we climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge AND went Bungee Jumping. Wow!

With so many activities, it was important to understand where we had to be and when to meet up with our tours. The app was so helpful in this regard.

Thank you Kim-Kim and thank you Vickie!

Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Dec 07, 2023

Thank you Pauline for letting me build me dream tour. I cant believe how many fun activities we fit into your tour. I am sure you have the most amazing memories :)!

I hope you visit again.

Vickie

Vickie was wonderful in her suggestions for o...
New Zealand | Aug 27 - Sep 5, 2023

Joelle
Joelle T.
Arcadia, CA | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2023
Vickie was wonderful in her suggestions for our NZ South Island tour. Our itinerary was very organized in an app format and the recommended excursions were unique to NZ. We loved all our new memories we created and would highly recommend both Kimkim and Vickie. Read more

Vickie was wonderful in her suggestions for our NZ South Island tour. Our itinerary was very organized in an app format and the recommended excursions were unique to NZ. We loved all our new memories we created and would highly recommend both Kimkim and Vickie.

Hotel Reviews
The George
Christchurch

Excellent service and comfortable rooms. Excellent location with delicious food for both dinner and breakfast. Would definitely stay here again and would highly recommend this place to friends.

Authenticity & Character
Very clean and comfortable
Location
In front of a park & the George has bikes for hire to explains the town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hermitage Hotel
Mount Cook Village

Fantastic views and location. Close to trails and the dinner and breakfast buffets are wonderful. Would definitely recommend this place and will stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rainforest Retreat
Franz Josef Glacier

Very cute and unique place. Located near town and restaurants. Would highly recommend this place & will stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Tree house rooms are very unique. Excellent experience
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Novotel Auckland Airport
Auckland

Perfect stay for airport convenience. Would highly recommend this place and would stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Queenstown

This place was just ok. The breakfast was mediocre and the place was old and rundown. Had beautiful lake views & was close to town, but I would not stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Historic Tram Dinner
Historic Tram Dinner
Christchurch

Fun experience. Great way to see the town. Food was delicious and great quality. Wish it had commentary about the city history during the tram tour.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Appellation Boutique Wine Tour
Appellation Boutique Wine Tour
Queenstown (NZ)

This tour was Nothing Special. Coming from California and enjoying great wine tours there and have experienced wine tours in Italy- this was just ok. The wines were ok, and the wineries were nothing special- the lunch was simple. I would not do this tour again.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I felt the driver was driving too fast. Felt uncomfortable at times.
Transport
Milford Sound Coach/Cruise/Coach inc lunch ex ZQN
Milford Sound Coach/Cruise/Coach inc lunch ex ZQN
Queenstown (NZ)

Excellent tour. Our driver Paulie was FANTASTIC. He was very knowledgeable and informative about the area. We felt safe in the bus and he was a cautious driver.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner
TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner
Queenstown (NZ)

This was mostly a dinner and buffet tour. The farm portion was short and rushed. Minimal animal interactions. I would not recommend this tour if you’re looking for some animal farm experience

Quality of Experience
Food was wonderful
Food
Excellent buffet
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great staff
Transport
Unique ferry ride
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-hike
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-hike
Franz Josef Glacier

Fantastic experience. Highlight of the South Island. Must do and see

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Kylan was fantastic
Transport
CHCH Touring - Private Transfer Train Station to Accommodation
Christchurch

Nice views. Great commentary. Fun train ride

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Wanaka
Explore Wanaka
Wānaka

Quick stop in town. Not much time spent. Cute little town. Self exploration of Wanaka

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Sep 18, 2023

Wow Joelle what a review!! Thank you so much for being so kind, I had a blast working with you and that was so sweet of you to recommend me to a friend.

Take care

Vickie xx

Quick trip to Cairns and Brisbane
Australia | Aug 16 - Aug 22, 2023

M
Monica M.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Aug 29, 2023
Vickie was incredibly responsive and planned our short trip in record time. She was patient with me as it took me time to review and consider and then commit to the trip. I loved the tours she set up for us in Cairns and Birsbane; they were remarkable! It would have been helpful to know what we needed to bring on the tours, such as a towel for the Great Barrier Reef, and it would have been good to know that some activities/opportunities sell out in advance, such as photos of us holding a... Read more

Vickie was incredibly responsive and planned our short trip in record time. She was patient with me as it took me time to review and consider and then commit to the trip. I loved the tours she set up for us in Cairns and Birsbane; they were remarkable! It would have been helpful to know what we needed to bring on the tours, such as a towel for the Great Barrier Reef, and it would have been good to know that some activities/opportunities sell out in advance, such as photos of us holding a koala.

The drivers who picked us up were prompt, kind and excellent drivers.

I wasn't thrilled with one of the hotel selections, but a family with young kids would have loved it more than me and a teenager who were there just to sleep.

The travel service, specifically Louise, was wonderful when we had to make last minute changes to our itinerary. She was terrific and efficient!

I would use Vickie, Louise and Kimkim again!

Hotel Reviews
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns

Very nice staff and lovely pools. Great for families with young children. Room was a bit dated and the Wifi was so bad that we couldn't watch tv. The safe was locked when we arrived and the remote to work the air conditioning was missing, but staff came very quickly to help us. We only ate breakfast at the hotel, but the food was good. The resort is a bit farther from the Cairns hub than I would have liked; we had to taxi or Uber to dinner and to the tours. Overall, a good place to stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Closer to Cairns "downtown"
Staff
Helpful, patient and kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Regis North Quay
Brisbane

Convenient location for us to go to Suncorp stadium. Not too far a walk from South Bank, which had more restaurants and one of our tours (to Lone Pine Sanctuary). Wonderful to have a kitchenette! Lots of light and great views from our room. Reception staff were very nice. A knowledgeable concierge would have been very helpful.

Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Aug 30, 2023

Hey Monica,

That is wonderful feedback. Thank you for choosing to book your tour with me.
I hope you both enjoyed the football and the amazing scenery.

Take care

Vickie, was just great! She listening to our ...
New Zealand | Jun 23 - Jul 15, 2023

J
Jamie H.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 06, 2023

Vickie, was just great! She listening to our requirements and suggested activities that best suited each traveler. We had an amazing time and special thanks goes to Vickie for booking us in to our activities at just the right times so we kept missing the rush of people, which was a big concern for my family trip. Thanks so much!

Local specialist: Vickie Parrack
Vickie
Vickie Parrack
Local specialist in Wanaka | Replied on Aug 30, 2023

Thank you so much for choosing me to help with your holiday Jamie. I hope your family adored New Zealand as much as you did. I am so happy you had fun.

Take care :)

Amazing.
New Zealand | Jun 23 - Jul 15, 2023

J
Jody H.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023

Amazing trip, everything ran smoothly and made easy. Our travel agent Vickie did a fantastic job at providing us with an excellent experience of New Zealand making it personal and memorable. Thank you Vickie.

Local specialist: Vickie Parrack